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8 Commissioners of Orange County whenever the department has cause to believe that any person is violating or threatening to violate this ordinance. They received an anonymous complaint that there was a wild bear being kept on Yarborough Road in Mebane. When Animal Control investigated the complaint they found Mr. Odell Coley in possession of a female "Himalayan" bear. Since he was in violation of this ordinance, he was given a "Notice of Violation" and asked to remove the bear from his premisses by September 4, 1993. This was extended to September 8, 1993 to allow Mr. Coley time to present his case before the County Commissioners and request an exemption to the ordinance. Mr. Reimer stated that his recommendation is that an exemption to the ordinance not be granted to Mr. Coley and that Mr. Coley be directed to remove the animal from Orange County by September 14, 1993. Pat Sanford, Animal Protection Society Director, stated that there is no question that Odell Coley loves all animals. The issue is whether or not the Wild Animal Ordinance is a valid vehicle to protect the people in Orange County. The APS strongly supports Animal Control's decision to have this animal removed from the County. When breeders of Himalayan bears, wolves, and tigers sell exotic animals indiscriminately they often don't know who the buyers are, whether they have proper facilities or if the buyer has the knowledge for the animal's special needs. Some breeders could care less if they are well paid. This practice is outrageous and is happening throughout the United States. By enforcing this ordinance, Orange County is sending a message to breeders that everyone should be concerned with public safety and welfare and humane treatment of exotic and endangered animals. Mr. Odell Coley stated that he does have a Himalayan bear. He was asked by a friend if he would take care of it. The bear was born at the Buffalo Ranch south of Charlotte. He has done a lot of research on bears. He is aware of the ordinance and also aware that others in the County are not abiding by the stipulations in the ordinance. He stated that the bear is not wild and is not dangerous. Commissioner Halkiotis spoke on Mr. Coleys behalf. He has known Mr. Coley for several years and finds him to be a caring person. He is an animal lover who cares about the welfare of animals. Dietrich V. Haugwitz, Educational Director of the N.C. Network for Animals and a resident of Orange County, noted his comments are based on the facts as he understands them. He feels that Mr. Coleys comments indicate that the ordinance is all wrong. The fees are too high, the size of the cage is far too large and should be changed. He noted that ten years ago there were reasons for developing this ordinance. Research was done in great depth with all kinds of experts giving testimony. The findings were that (1) there were confirmed danger to the owners and keepers and to the surrounding citizens who may come into contact with an escaped animal and (2) a danger exists for the animal when they are not allowed to live according to their natural habitat, inclinations and diet and may lead to unattended or intended animal use. He gave a long list of organizations and agencies that agree that these animals do not make pets and the whole idea to keep these animals as pets is wrong. By looking at the facts in this case, they indicate that Mr. Coley has been cited in the past for violations of two Animal Control Ordinances, one of which was cruelty to his dog. The bear was found without food and water. The bear cage is less than one fifth of the minimum size described by the County's ordinance. Section 5 of the Ordinance states that